Trekking route on Ithaca

Length: 3.000 m

Difficulty level: medium

Proposed hours: afternoon

Starting-point for this track is the old Panaghia’s church, above the cemetery, at the top of Perachori village. After the church, at the corner of the main street, the old street goes right to Paleochora. Paleochora was the capital (“chora”) of Ithaca Island at the mediaeval years (about 1500). At the first fork, at the entry of a farm, go left (the right path goes to a small church). After about 10 minutes walking, the Aghios Ioannis (Saint John the Theologian) church with the stone bell tower and the beautiful murals welcomes you. The old street is easy and horizontal, but at some points the stone-wall has broken down and you have to be careful. You are at the first bend of Paleochora and the view of Perachori, Vathi, the coves round, also up to the Petaliatiko Mountain, is wonderful.

Following the track, you will walk past old houses and ruins. When you reach the second bend of the path in Paleochora, you will see the amazing view of Dexa Cove. You are now in the centre of the mediaeval city. You can see a very old stone threshing-floor and a ruined house. The house is a double storey building and it is large. Perhaps it was the headquarters in Paleochora (the house of the commander).

Following the path little downhill, you leave Paleochora. After some minutes you will see a low sheep-pen and a second (newer) threshing-floor. After that, go right and walk on the gentle slope ridge to two small churches (Aghios Andreas and Aghios Nikolaos). Then you arrive at Nymphs Cave (Marmarospilia). A stone path takes you from the Cave to the asphalt road.

Source: sites.google.com/site/ithakitrekking